Stoke City v Manchester United Premier League Preview and Prediction

Premier League Previews for Stoke City v Manchester United along with Prediction. Included in my preview is my pick, statistical analysis for each team, recent form, and betting odds.

The week 24 Premier League Predictions have been posted, so go read up on my EPL picks for the weekend. You can use this preview for your own information or as betting tips to use for any of the Premier League Betting Links here on the blog. Be sure to also check out the Premier League TV Schedule and 2013-14 Premier League Table.

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Stoke City

The Potters are one of the many teams stuck in the current relegation battle at the bottom of the table. They are currently in 16th place with 22 points, just three above the drop the zone.

They are currently on a four match losing streak in all competitions while in the Premier League they have not won any in their last six matches which includes just one draw. In this time they have failed to score in three matches, including their last two against teams below them, both 1-0 away losses to Crystal Palace and Sunderland.

While Stoke used to be a very solid defensive side this season they have a -15 goal difference from scoring 22 and allowing 37. This season they have conceded an average of 1.6 goals per game which does drop to 1.1 at home. In home matches they have scored 1.3 goals per game, but that’s not much of a margin.

As far as injuries go, Stoke will be without Matthew Etherington while Robert Huth and Andy Wilkinson are both questionable. Steven N’Zonzi will be suspended after receiving two yellow cards in their midweek loss.

Manchester United

The Red Devils are in a situation of needing to win every week to stay in the hunt for a top four place. In their last seven matches in all competitions they have just two wins to go with their five losses. One positive in that time is that they have been able to score at least one goal in each of those matches.

Their midweek 2-0 win over Cardiff City was comfortable, but should have been larger as much as they dominated. They were able to bring back Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney to join new signing Juan Mata.

This season they have averaged 1.7 goals per game which increases to 2 goals per game on the road from 11.8 shots. They have had some struggles at the back and have allowed 1.6 goals per game in away EPL matches.

In away Premier League matches this season they have only kept two clean sheets coming against Aston Villa and Norwich City.

Going into the match Manchester United will be without Nemanja Vidic as he is serving the last of his three match ban for the red card against Chelsea. Joining him on the sidelines are Nani while Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand are both questionable.

Prediction

My pick is a Manchester United win. In their last six meetings United has five wins with one draw coming between the two teams back in 2011. In fact, that one draw is the only result that Stoke has managed in their last 12 meetings. They have also scored at least two goals in nine out of their last 10 matches against Stoke.

Manchester United won their previous meeting this season back in December 2-0 at Old Trafford. Stoke can get a result, especially considering the way United’s season has gone this year, and should be able to score. The five set piece goals that Stoke have scored this season mean they have a good chance there with Manchester United allowing nine goals from set pieces this season. They are quite vulnerable from both set pieces and crosses to big men in the middle, i.e. Peter Crouch.